4-11
4To lock the differential gear in four-wheel drive,
make sure the On-Command four-wheel-drive
switch is pushed in to the “4WD” position.
Stop the ATV, move the differential gear lock lever
to position (a), and then push the differential gear
lock switch in to the “LOCK” position. When the dif-
ferential gear is locked, the differential gear lock in-
dicator “DIFF. LOCK” will come on along with the
indicator “” in the multifunction display.To release the differential gear lock, stop the ATV
and push the switch to the “4WD” position.
WARNING
EWB00130Always stop the ATV before changing from
four-wheel drive to four-wheel-drive differen-
tial gear lock or vice-versa.
The ATV handles differently in four-wheel drive
than in differential gear lock in some circum-
stances. Changing from four-wheel drive to dif-
ferential gear lock or vice-versa while moving
may cause the ATV to handle differently unex-
1. Differential gear lock lever
2. On-Command four-wheel-drive switch “2WD”/“4WD”
DIFF.
LOCK
1. On-Command differential gear lock switch “4WD”/“LOCK”
U3B460E0.book Page 11 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM
4-12
4 pectedly. This could distract the operator and
increase the risk of losing control and causing
an accident.
WARNING
EWB00140Always ride at a slow speed when the ATV is in
differential gear lock, and allow extra time and
distance for maneuvers.
All wheels turn at the same speed when the dif-
ferential gear is locked, so it takes more effort
to turn the ATV. The effort needed to turn in-
creases with the riding speed. You may lose
control and have an accident if you cannot
make a sharp enough turn for the speed youare traveling.NOTE:When the switch is set to “LOCK”, the differential
gear lock indicator and indicator light will flash
until the differential gear is locked.When the indicator and indicator light are flash-
ing, turning the handlebar back and forth will
help the differential gear lock to engage.
Riding before the differential gear lock is proper-
ly engaged (e.g., when the indicator and indica-
tor light are flashing) will cause the engine speed
to be limited until engagement is complete.When the ATV is in four-wheel-drive differential
gear lock, the maximum traveling speed is limit-
ed to 35 km/h (22 mi/h). However, if conditions
require full engine power to be available, push
and hold the override switch to disable the differ-
ential gear lock speed limiter. (See page 4-8 fora detailed explanation of this switch.)EBU18280Throttle lever Once the engine is running, movement of the throt-
tle lever will increase the engine speed.
Regulate the speed of the ATV by varying the
throttle position. Because the throttle is spring-
loaded, the ATV will decelerate, and the engine will
return to an idle any time the hand is removed from
the throttle lever.
U3B460E0.book Page 12 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM
5-2
5
WARNING
EWB00480Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure it is in safe operating condition.
Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Owner’sManual. Failure to inspect increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage.Rear brakeCheck operation. If soft or spongy, have Yamaha dealer bleed hy-
draulic system.
Check pedal free play, and adjust if necessary.
Check brake pads for wear, and replace if necessary.
Check brake fluid level in reservoir, and add recommended brake
fluid to specified level if necessary.
Check hydraulic system for leakage. Correct if necessary.5-4, 8-44, 8-46, 8-48,
8-49
Throttle leverMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate cable and lever hous-
ing if necessary.
Check cable free play, and adjust if necessary.5-5, 8-43
Control cablesMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate if necessary. 8-51
Wheels and tiresCheck wheel condition, and replace if damaged.
Check tire condition and tread depth. Replace if necessary.
Check air pressure. Correct if necessary.5-5, 5-6, 5-7
Brake pedal Make sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate pedal pivoting point if
necessary.8-53
Brake leversMake sure that operation is smooth. Lubricate lever pivoting points if
necessary.8-52
Axle bootsCheck for cracks or damage, and replace if necessary. 8-51
Chassis fastenersMake sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are properly tightened. 5-7
Instruments, lights and
switchesCheck operation, and correct if necessary. 5-7 ITEM ROUTINE PAGEU3B460E0.book Page 2 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM
6-5
60–10 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 1/2 throttle. Vary
the speed of the ATV regularly. Do not operate it at
one set throttle position.
10–20 hours
Avoid prolonged operation above 3/4 throttle. Rev
the engine freely, but do not use full throttle at any
time.
20 hours and beyond
The ATV can now be operated normally.
CAUTION:ECB00220If any engine trouble should occur during the
engine break-in period, immediately have aYamaha dealer check the ATV.EBU27321Parking When parking the ATV, stop the engine, and shift
the drive select lever into the park position.
EBU20820Parking on a slope
WARNING
EWB00860Avoid parking on hills or other inclines. Park-
ing on a hill or other incline could cause the
ATV to roll out of control, increasing the
chance of an accident. If you must park on an
incline, place the ATV transversely across the
incline, stop the engine, shift the drive select
lever to the park position, and then block the
front and rear wheels with rocks or other ob-
jects.
Do not park the ATV at all on hills that are sosteep you could not walk up them easily.
1. Bring the ATV to a stop by applying the
brakes.
2. Stop the engine.
3. With the brake pedal applied, shift the drive
select lever to the park position.
U3B460E0.book Page 5 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM
7-7
7Loading and accessories
Use extra caution when riding the ATV with addi-
tional loads, such as accessories or cargo. The
ATV’s handling may be adversely affected. Re-
duce your speed when adding additional loads.
WARNING
EWB01460Never exceed the stated load capacity for
this ATV.Cargo should be properly distributed and se-
curely attached.Reduce speed when carrying cargo or pull-
ing a trailer. Allow greater distance for brak-
ing.Always follow the instructions in your Own-
er’s Manual for carrying cargo or pulling atrailer.
During operation
Always keep your feet on the footboards during op-
eration, otherwise they may contact the rear
wheels. MAXIMUM LOADING LIMIT
ATV loading limit (total weight of cargo, rider,
accessories, and tongue):
220.0 kg (485 lb)
Fro nt c arr i er :
45.0 kg (99 lb)
Rear carrier:
85.0 kg (187 lb)
Front storage compartment:
0.5 kg (1 lb)
Rear storage compartment:
2.0 kg (4 lb)
Trailer hitch:
Pulling load (total weight of trailer and car-
go):
5390 N (1212 lbf) (550 kgf)
Tongue weight (vertical weight on trailer
hitch point):
147 N (33 lbf) (15 kgf)
U3B460E0.book Page 7 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM
7-8
7
WARNING
EWB01470Always keep both hands on the handlebars
and both feet on the footboards of your ATV
during operation. Removing even one hand or
foot can reduce your ability to control the ATV
or could cause you to lose your balance and
fall off of the ATV. If you remove a foot from a
footboard, your foot or leg may come into con-
tact with the rear wheels, which could injureyou or cause an accident.Avoid wheelies and jumping. You may lose control
of the ATV or overturn.
WARNING
EWB01480Never attempt stunts, such as wheelies orjumps. Don’t try to show off.
Modifications
WARNING
EWB01490Never modify this ATV through improper in-
stallation or use of accessories. All parts and
accessories added to this ATV should be gen-
uine Yamaha or equivalent components de-
signed for use on this ATV and should be
U3B460E0.book Page 8 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM
7-13
7With the engine idling, shift the drive select lever
into the low-range position or the high-range posi-
tion. Apply the throttle slowly and smoothly. The
centrifugal clutch will engage and you will start to
accelerate. If the throttle is applied too abruptly, the
front wheels may lift off the ground, resulting in a
loss of directional control. Avoid higher speeds un-
til you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of
your ATV.
When slowing down or stopping, release the throt-
tle and apply the brakes smoothly and evenly. Im-
proper use of the brakes can cause the tires to lose
traction, reducing control and increasing the possi-
bility of an accident.
CAUTION:ECB00250Do not shift from drive position low-range to
high-range or vice versa without coming to a
complete stop. Damage to the engine or drivetrain may occur.
TURNING YOUR ATV
To achieve maximum traction on unpaved surfac-
es in 2WD or 4WD, the two rear wheels turn to-
gether at the same speed. Furthermore, when
riding in 4WD-LOCK (“DIFF. LOCK”), the frontwheels also turn together at the same speed.
Therefore, unless the wheel on the inside of the
turn is allowed to slip or lose some traction, the
ATV will resist turning. A special turning technique
must be used to allow the ATV to make turns
quickly and easily. It is essential that this skill be
learned first at low speed.
WARNING
EWB01770Always follow proper procedures for turning
as described in this Owner’s Manual. Practice
turning at low speeds before attempting to turn
at faster speeds. Do not turn at speeds too fast
for your skills or the conditions. Operate at a
slow speed and allow extra time and distance
for maneuvers when in 4WD-LOCK (“DIFF.LOCK”).
As you approach a curve, slow down and begin to
turn the handlebars in the desired direction. As you
do so, put your weight on the footboard to the out-
side of the turn (opposite your desired direction)
and lean your upper body into the turn. Use the
throttle to maintain an even speed through the turn.
This maneuver will let the wheel on the inside of
the turn slip slightly, allowing the ATV to make the
turn properly.
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7-14
7
This procedure should be practiced at slow speed
many times in a large unpaved area with no obsta-
cles. If an incorrect technique is used, your ATV
may continue to go straight. If the ATV doesn’t
turn, come to a stop and then practice the proce-
dure again. If the riding surface is slippery or loose,
it may help to position more of your weight over the
front wheels by moving forward on the seat.
Once you have learned this technique, you should
be able to perform it at higher speeds or in tighter
curves.Improper riding procedures such as abrupt throttle
changes, excessive braking, incorrect body move-
ments, or too much speed for the sharpness of the
turn may cause the ATV to tip. If the ATV begins to
tip over to the outside while negotiating a turn, lean
more to the inside. It may also be necessary to
gradually let off on the throttle and steer to the out-
side of the turn to avoid tipping over.
Remember: Avoid higher speeds until you are
thoroughly familiar with the operation of your ATV.
CLIMBING UPHILL
Use proper riding techniques to avoid ATV over-
turns on hills. Be sure that you can maneuver your
ATV well on flat ground before attempting any in-
cline and then practice riding first on gentle slopes.
Try more difficult climbs only after you have devel-
oped your skill. In all cases avoid inclines with slip-
pery or loose surfaces, or obstacles that might
cause you to lose control.
1. Lean towards inside of turn.
2. Support your weight on the outer footboard.U3B460E0.book Page 14 Friday, May 12, 2006 2:51 PM